Savor the irresistible taste of a classic American comfort food right from your kitchen with these incredible Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteaks. Imagine succulent, thinly sliced beef, perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked alongside tender peppers and sweet onions, all brought together with a luscious, melted cheese topping. This recipe delivers all the iconic flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family meal or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines convenience with unparalleled deliciousness.
Effortless Elegance: A Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipe
Craving the rich, savory goodness of a genuine Philly Cheesesteak but don’t want the fuss of standing over a hot grill? Our Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak recipe is your perfect solution. This simple, largely hands-off method allows you to recreate the beloved flavors of the classic sandwich you know and love, transforming tough cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The magic of slow cooking ensures that every slice of beef, every sliver of onion, and every strip of bell pepper is infused with a harmonious blend of spices and savory broth, resulting in a dish that is both deeply flavorful and incredibly tender. Piled high on soft hoagie rolls and crowned with warm, gooey Cheez Whiz, this sandwich is a testament to the fact that amazing flavor doesn’t have to come with a big hassle. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience, simplified for your busy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks
Philly Cheesesteaks pair wonderfully with a variety of classic sides. For a truly indulgent experience, crispy homemade French fries are always a hit. Other fantastic options include golden brown tater tots, crunchy onion rings, or just a simple bag of your favorite potato chips for that satisfying crunch. If you’re looking to lighten things up, a fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich. Coleslaw or roasted asparagus can also complement the dish beautifully.
To achieve incredibly tender pieces of meat that practically melt in your mouth, it’s crucial to cut the steak against the grain. Look closely at your raw steak, and you’ll notice subtle lines running through the meat – these are the muscle fibers. You want to cut perpendicular to these lines, rather than parallel. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef much easier to chew and resulting in a more tender texture after slow cooking. Thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, are ideal for the classic cheesesteak experience.
While ribeye steak is the traditional choice for its rich flavor and marbling, many other cuts of beef will work wonderfully in a slow cooker, often at a more affordable price. The slow cooking process naturally tenderizes tougher cuts. Pre-shaved steak, often found in the meat section, is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Other excellent choices include flat iron steak, sirloin steak, or even chuck roast. If opting for tougher cuts like chuck roast, I highly recommend cooking them on the low setting for the full duration (6-8 hours) to ensure they become fall-apart tender. The extended cooking time allows the connective tissues to break down beautifully, resulting in a delicious and succulent filling.
Technically, you can skip the browning step and still end up with a delicious meal. However, I strongly recommend taking the extra 3-5 minutes to sear the steak before adding it to the slow cooker. Browning the meat caramelizes its surface, creating what’s known as the Maillard reaction. This process develops deeper, richer flavors and a beautiful golden-brown color that makes the final dish significantly more appealing and appetizing. It locks in moisture and adds a layer of complexity that raw meat simply can’t achieve. If time is extremely tight, feel free to omit it, but for the best flavor and presentation, a quick sear is definitely worth it.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week. To reheat, you have a couple of options. You can gently warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, for a quicker method, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid overheating, as this can make the beef tough. The filling reheats beautifully, making meal prep a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak
Crafting the perfect slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each:
- Ribeye Steak: Known for its marbling and tender texture, ribeye is the traditional and preferred choice for an authentic cheesesteak experience. If ribeye isn’t available or is outside your budget, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section above for several excellent and more affordable alternatives that still yield fantastic results in the slow cooker.
- Beef Broth: This liquid gold forms the flavorful base for our slow-cooked beef. Since the au jus gravy mix also contains salt, consider using a low or no-sodium beef broth, especially if you are sensitive to salt or prefer to control the sodium content yourself. This allows you to season to taste later.
- Packet Au Jus Gravy Mix: This secret ingredient adds incredible depth and a savory, restaurant-quality beef flavor to the sauce, truly enhancing the overall richness of the cheesesteak filling. It’s key to that classic, umami-packed taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch and a foundational flavor. While fresh is always recommended for its vibrant taste, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute if you’re short on time.
- Italian Seasoning: A versatile blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the beef and vegetables beautifully, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples deliver concentrated garlic and onion flavor without adding extra moisture, ensuring a deep and consistent taste throughout the slow-cooked mixture. They layer well with fresh garlic and onions for complexity.
- Onions and Bell Peppers: These classic vegetables are non-negotiable for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, adding sweetness, a slight bite, and vibrant color. Green bell peppers are traditional, but you can certainly experiment with red or yellow for a sweeter flavor. If you have a strong preference or dislike one, feel free to adjust the quantities or omit it.
- Hoagie or Sub Rolls: The foundation of any great cheesesteak! Choose fresh, sturdy, yet soft rolls that can hold up to the juicy filling without falling apart. A slight crisping or toasting of the rolls before serving can elevate the texture.
- Cheez Whiz: For many, Cheez Whiz is the iconic, gooey, liquid cheese that defines an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, delivering that distinctively smooth and tangy creaminess. However, if you prefer a homemade option or a different type of cheese, a Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce or even provolone cheese can be used.
How to Make Flavorful Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteaks
Preparing delicious Philly Cheesesteaks in your slow cooker is surprisingly easy, breaking down into just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a Philadelphia deli:
Step 1: Sear the Steak for Rich Flavor
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to get hot for about 3 minutes, or until it shimmers slightly. While the oil heats, pat your ribeye steaks dry to ensure a good sear, and trim off any significant excess fat. Season both sides of the steak generously with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Carefully add the seasoned steak to the hot skillet. Sear each side for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crucial step, while optional, significantly enhances the depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Once seared, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Liquid Base
Once the seared steak has cooled slightly, slice it thinly against the grain. This technique is essential for ensuring tender, easy-to-chew pieces after slow cooking. Set the sliced steak aside temporarily. Now, to your 5-6 quart crock pot, add 1 cup of beef broth, the 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, creating a rich and aromatic liquid base that will infuse the beef and vegetables with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook to Perfection
Carefully transfer the thinly sliced, seared steak, along with 2 sliced onions and 2 sliced green bell peppers, into the crock pot with the prepared liquid base. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and coated in the flavorful broth. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or for a deeper flavor and even more tender results, cook on low for 6-8 hours (the low setting is generally preferred for optimal tenderness). If you are home and able, give the mixture a stir a couple of times throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve Your Masterpiece
Once the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft, it’s time to assemble your delicious Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteaks. Carefully scoop the warm, flavorful steak, pepper, and onion mixture onto fresh hoagie or sub rolls. For an authentic touch, generously drizzle warm Cheez Whiz over the filling. If you prefer, you can lightly butter and toast the hoagie rolls under the broiler or in a separate skillet for a minute or two before filling them – this adds a delightful crispness that contrasts wonderfully with the tender filling. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade slow cooker cheesesteak!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’re a fan of the classic Philly Cheesesteak and love to explore its variations, you’re in luck! Here are some other creative and mouth-watering recipes that feature those beloved flavors:
- Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
- Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
- Crock Pot Chicken Cheesesteak
- Philly Cheesesteak Cups
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Philly Cheesesteak Rollups
- Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Ring
- Crock Pot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak
Average Rating: 5 stars from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
3 hours 10 minutes
3 hours 20 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 2 pounds ribeye steak (about 2 steaks)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
- 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 6 hoagie/sub rolls
- 15 ounce jar Cheez Whiz
Instructions
- In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tablespoon oil for 3 minutes or until the oil is hot.
- Season 2 pounds ribeye steak with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the steak to the skillet. Sear each side for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan then slice the steak against the grain. Set aside.
- To a 5-6 quart crock pot add 1 cup beef broth, 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Mix until combined.
- Transfer the sliced steak, 2 onions, sliced and 2 green bell peppers, sliced to the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low 6-8 hours (low is preferred for maximum tenderness). Stir a couple of times as it cooks (if you are able).
- Serve the steak, peppers, and onions on hoagie rolls with warmed up Cheez Whiz. Note: if you prefer, you can butter and toast the rolls before serving for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions regarding this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!